Pharmac gets a major budget lift, expanding access to life-saving treatments.
The New Zealand government has allocated its largest-ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years to Pharmac, the independent Crown entity responsible for deciding which medicines and medical devices are funded in the country. This significant investment is aimed at increasing access to vital treatments for Kiwis.
According to Associate Health Minister David Seymour, this move was a priority for the current government to address the funding crisis that Pharmac faced upon taking office. With the new budget, Pharmac can negotiate better deals for medicines and expand opportunities for patients and their families.
As a result of the $604 million uplift, an estimated 380 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer will gain access to cetuximab (branded as Erbitux) funded as a first and second-line treatment. Additionally, around 120 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma will be able to access nivolumab (branded as Opdivo) as a second-line treatment.
The increased funding also covers treatments for various non-cancer health conditions, including schizophrenia, low iron levels, urinary tract infections, constipation, and severe psoriasis. Pharmac's responsiveness to patient feedback and consultation has led to these significant changes in medicines access.